Republican Primary Runoff Set in South Carolina Senate Race

Republican Primary Advances to Runoff

Darline Graham and Ralph Norman will face off in the runoff for the South Carolina Senate primary. The winner will compete against Democrat Annie Andrews in November’s general election. Neither candidate received 50 percent of the vote, prompting the need for a runoff. CNN and AP announced Graham and Norman’s advancement before 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Graham, sister to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, garnered 32.6 percent of the vote, despite support from former President Donald Trump. Norman received 24 percent. Andrews, a pediatrician, secured her Democratic nomination earlier in June, with no primary required.

Background on the Special Election

The special primary was necessary after the death of Senator Lindsey Graham in July, following an aortic dissection. His passing required Republicans to find a new candidate, as he had already been nominated by the party in June. Governor Henry McMaster, at Trump’s suggestion, appointed Darline Graham to fill the seat until the current term ends.

South Carolina has typically supported Republicans, last voting Democratic at the presidential level in 1976. The state favored Trump by 18 points in 2024, and some Democrats hope for a change in 2026 due to his waning approval ratings and concerns about living costs and inflation.

Norman’s Campaign Points

Ralph Norman acknowledged he may not have been the primary choice for voters. He encouraged unity and support, highlighting his resume and vision for the state’s future. Despite seeking Trump’s endorsement, Norman noted that the decision remains in the hands of South Carolina voters. He expressed eagerness to debate Graham to understand her policies, especially on issues like pro-life stances, the death penalty, and spending.

Andrews’ Campaign Strategy

Annie Andrews is actively engaging voters, discussing Medicaid and gas prices, with a focus on grassroots fundraising. She claims Republicans are aligning too closely with Trump, which does not resonate with many voters. Andrews believes 2026 could be a turning point, given the absence of an incumbent and dissatisfaction with current administration policies.

Key Dates and Predictions for the Runoff

The runoff is scheduled for August 25, with early voting from August 19-21. High-profile candidates, including Darline Graham, Ralph Norman, and Mark Lynch, participated in the primary. Despite Trump’s endorsement of Graham, no clear frontrunner emerged.

Polling data is scarce, but internal polls from Andrews’ campaign show a tight race against potential Republican opponents. However, Republican prediction markets show a significant advantage for the GOP.

Historical Context and Democratic Hopes

South Carolina’s political history leans Republican. The state last selected a Democratic presidential candidate—Jimmy Carter—in 1976. Since then, Republicans have won by substantial margins. The last Democratic senator, Ernest Hollings, was elected in 1998.

Democrat Jaime Harrison’s 2020 campaign against Lindsey Graham attracted attention but ended in a double-digit defeat. Despite efforts to make the state more competitive, the Democratic ceiling remains low due to rural areas, suburbs, and racial divides that benefit Republicans.